08/07/2024
We recommend breathing exercises during and following chest infections such as:
✔Bronchitis
✔Covid
✔Pneumonia
✔Influenza
✔RSV
This can help improve lung function and clear sputum more effectively.
Breathing Control
1. Settle into a relaxed position; sitting or side lying.
2. Ensure your back is supported and you’re feeling comfortable.
3. Rest a hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
4. When breathing in, focus on expanding the abdomen and lower chest, while the upper chest remains fairly still.
5. On the out breath, the abdomen and lower chest should relax and fall away from your hand.
6. Breathe at a comfortable rate at all times, but should slowly lengthen as breathing control is regained.
7. Start for 30 seconds intervals with a short pause and repeat. Once comfortable, perform for one minute per cycle.
8. With practice, breathing will become easier, you will then be able to use this technique while at rest, followed by exertion when feeling breathless
🌟Long Deep Breathing
Take a long, slow and controlled breathe into the nose, followed by a short 1-2 second pause.
Slowly and gently breathe out for slightly longer than you breathed in via the mouth or nose.
Repeat for 3-5 breaths, then repeat relaxed breathing.
🌟Huffing
Breathe in, then huff as if you were trying to steam up your glasses 1-2x on the outside breathe, followed by a controlled but not forced cough.
🌟Repeat relaxed breathing.
Continue the exercise cycle until sputum is ready to be cleared.
Repeat as often as necessary until your chest is clear and your breathing has returned to normal.
